Astros Player Suspended After Making Racist Gesture to Opposing Player

Houston Astros first baseman Yuli Gurriel may have avoided a suspension during the World Series for a racist gesture he made to an opposing player during Friday’s game 3, but he’s still going to pay a harsh penalty for his actions.

According to SB Nation, Gurriel will serve a five-game suspension next season and have to undergo sensitivity training after a gesture mocking the Asian heritage of Iranian-Japanese Los Angeles Dodgers pitcher Yu Darvish.

Gurriel had just hit a home run off of Darvish — who got chased from the mound in the second inning after giving up four runs — when he was caught on camera giving a “slant eyes” gesture in the dugout.

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According to USA Today, Gurriel also seemed to say the word “chinito” — a Spanish slang term for “little Chinese guy.”

Remarks after the game left little doubt what Gurriel’s intent was. Astros Manager AJ Hinch said that Gurriel was “remorseful” and Dodgers Manager Dave Roberts called the action “disrespectful.”

The hammer from MLB Commissioner Rob Manfred came down on Saturday hours after he met with both players.

“There is complete unanimity — me, my office, both owners, both clubs, and the (union) — that there is no place in our game for the behavior like we witnessed last night,” Manfred said at a press conference, according to USA Today.

“There is no explanation that makes that type of behavior excusable.”

“Mr. Gurriel quickly realized last night that his behavior was wrong. I met with him today. He reiterated that remorse and he assured me that he will offer a private apology to Mr. Darvish,” he added.

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The decision to not suspend Gurriel for the World Series, however, could be questioned after the series is over.

Gurriel’s played a key role with two hits and three RBIs in Sunday’s 13-12 Astros win, giving the team a 3-2 lead in the series and putting the Astros within one win of their first ever championship.